Sunshine Blue® IIBluebeardCaryopterisincana

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

Flower Season

Spring

Summer

Fall

Mature Size

36"36"

Height

24 - 36"

Spread

24 - 36"

This plant is hardy in zones 5 - 9

Zones are based on the lowest average temperature an area is expected to receive during the winter. They are used to determine whether a plant is likely to be perennial in your area. If your zone is equal to or higher than the zone listed for the plant, it will be hardy for you and thrive in your climate.

5

6

7

8

9

What is my hardiness zone?

My Current Zone

Features

The hardiest caryopteris yet!

Sunshine Blue II is a new, improved variety of the classic Sunshine Blue, but it's much more tolerant of cold climates. If you've had trouble with bluebeard surviving winter in your area in the past, now's your chance to enjoy the vivid gold foliage and blue blooms of this late blooming favorite. An excellent plant for attracting pollinators!

Top reasons to grow Sunshine Blue II caryopteris:

- The hardiest caryopteris yet - survives winter even in the Midwest.

- Colorful all season, especially late in summer when blue flowers appear.

- Thrives in hot, dry, sunny spots.

Foliage Interest

Fall Interest

Heat Tolerant

Deadheading Not Necessary

Drought Tolerant

Attracts:

Bees

Characteristics

Plant Type:

Shrub

Shrub Type:

Deciduous

Height Category:

Short

Garden Height:

24 - 36 Inches

Spacing:

24 - 36 Inches

Spread:

24 - 36 Inches

Flower Colors:

Blue

Foliage Colors:

Yellow

Foliage Shade:

Yellow

Habit:

Mounded

Container Role:

Filler

Plant Needs

Light Requirement:

Sun

Maintenance Category:

Easy

Blooms On:

New Wood

Bloom Time:

Late Summer

Bloom Time:

Early Fall

Hardiness Zones:

5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Water Category:

Low

Needs Good Drainage

Uses:

Border Plant

Uses:

Container

Uses:

Edging Plant

Uses:

Groundcover

Uses:

Landscape

Uses:

Mass Planting

Maintenance Notes:

Plant bluebeard in full sun and well-drained soil. Though Sunshine Blue II tolerates colder conditions than other caryopteris, it will do best if you avoid planting it in spots where the soil is cold or wet in winter and early spring. Cut back hard in spring, after the new growth emerges. Avoid late season planting in coldest parts of its hardiness range.

Fun Facts:

Caryopteris is sometimes called "blue mist spirea," even though it is not remotely related to spirea. To be sure you get the right plant, ask your garden center for Caryopteris or bluebeard.

Just planted seventeen in September 2017 (plan to put three more in the ground soon), for a total of twenty inside a circle driveway. The 17 survived a rough, dry winter with a couple of late season freezes. I thought for sure I had one dead one as I had lost three of the original delivery, but it has come back already like a champ. I have yet to see the blooms but I'm looking forward to seeing all of them in vibrant color this year. I expect them to look great!

Linda La Porte

Arizona

United States

1 year ago

Above Average Superior performance, among my favorites, would recommend to others.

Just planted seventeen in September 2017 (plan to put three more in the ground soon), for a total of twenty inside a circle driveway. The 17 survived a rough, dry winter with a couple of late season freezes. I thought for sure I had one dead one as I had lost three of the original delivery, but it has come back already like a champ. I have yet to see the blooms but I'm looking forward to seeing all of them in vibrant color this year. I expect them to look great!

Linda La Porte

Arizona

United States

1 year ago

Above Average Superior performance, among my favorites, would recommend to others.